Wednesday - April 01, 2009
Generation Y - born between 1977 and 1994 - are entering the marketplace and making their impact. Donna Fenn has been studying this group and she talks with Jim Blasingame about what motivates them and the impact they will have on the marketplace.
Cash has always been king, but in a recession, it's the emperor. Gene Siciliano talks with Jim Blasingame about how to work with customers to maintain a steady and reliable cash flow, including ways to improve accounts receivable.
Will 2009 prove to be a year of entrepreneurial opportunity or merely a transition year. Darren Hardy and Jim Blasingame talk about why right now may be the best opportunity for entrepreneurs in the current age.
Will the new tax proposals by the Obama administration hurt small business? Terry Neese joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the negative impact these tax changes will have on over 1 million small businesses, plus the potential damage of other anti-business proposals.
Thursday - April 02, 2009
Need to get some sales invigorated? Maybe you need a "WOW" project. Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to offer tips and best practice on how to create some excitement around an opportunity for customers to do business with you that is outside of your typical boundaries, maybe even a little outrageous.
What's in the economic stimulus plan for small business? Cliff Ennico joins Jim Blasingame to talk about this issue, plus tax planning, including how to avoid being audited.
How much is the economic stimulus really going to cost us, long-term. Joan Pryde talks with Jim Blasingame about what Kiplinger has to say about this, plus other issues, such as new limits on credit cards, the 2010 census and other issues.
Practicing effective search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the fundamental elements of successful small business marketing and Jim Baldwin joins Jim Blasingame to talk about some of the key SEO best practices and tips, including local search.
Friday - April 03, 2009
You can be smart about starting a small business, just look for the best resources that are available to help you. Jordan Goodman joins Jim Blasingame to recommend a few resources that will help you get started.
The Employee Free Choice Act is erroneously named and is an attack on small businesses. Jim Copland joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the details about this proposed legislation, including what it would do and why it's dangerous for small businesses.
Are there things a small business can do to minimize the risk of an IRS audit? Eva Rosenberg, joins Jim Blasingame to identify some tips and best practices to help you stay in the good graces of the IRS. Plus, how to use the new Net Operating Loss provisions in the Economic Stimulus Package.
Having the desire to start a small business isn't enough, you have to execute the tried and true fundamentals. Jane Wesman joins Jim Blasingame to talk about what it takes to start and operate a small business, including your idea, customers, financing, etc.
Monday - April 06, 2009
How can a small business owner make the most out of a social media strategy? Pat Weber talks with Jim Blasingame about how she uses social media resources successfully and offers tips and best practices that work for her.
How did President Obama do in Europe and how are his policies doing in the U.S.? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to talk about these issues, including how the Democrat proposals will impact small businesses. They also talk about the possibility of a third party formation.
Is the marketplace entering a "post-advertising" era? Tom Asacker helps Jim Blasingame discuss this idea and develop what this era might look like, what forces are influencing it and what does it mean for small businesses.
What are the alternatives to laying off employees during a recession? Steve Martin joins Jim Blasingame to give some tips and tools to help you retain your talent during tough times.
Tuesday - April 07, 2009
How does a small business build and promote its brand in the 21st century networking environment?Trish Ruben talks with Jim Blasingame about networking tips and best practices that differentiate personal networking from business networking.
How can small businesses maximize capital and cash flow in a recession? Tom Markel talks with Jim Blasingame about how to look for cash and capital under every rock, including operating, banking and even maybe from the government.
How much should a small business and the owners get involved in local government and politics? Suzanne Mulvehill talks with Jim Blasingame about her election and work as a city commissioner and has some advice for others.
Cash has always been king, but today, it's the emperor. Joe Knight joins Jim Blasingame to explain what you need to know about managing your cash and the other financial aspects of running a small business, including how to use these numbers to work better with your bank.
Wednesday - April 08, 2009
Is it too late for a small business to develop a social media strategy? Jim Blasingame says it's not too late, but it's time to get started with your social media education and strategy development, and he offers his thoughts on how to do that.
The green arrows are mostly pointing upward on the Tatum Survey this month. Sam Norwood tells Jim Blasingame that while we've still got a long way to go to get out of this downturn, and while we still don't like the economic numbers, we've got to like the trend.
According to experts, we have not one brain, but five (maybe six). Judith Glaser talks with Jim Blasingame about new perspectives on how multi-brain small business owners behave, including how all of this manifests in the social networking universe.
How is President Obama doing on domestic and foreign policy activity? Gov. du Pont joins Jim Blasingame to discuss several of the key policy initiatives and foreign relationships of his first 100 days in office.
Thursday - April 09, 2009
Can you find spiritual economics in your small business? Nancy Rosanoff says yes, and she joins Jim Blasingame to explain how to differentiate between fear and intelligence, and why this understanding will help you make better decisions in a crisis.
How expensive will all of the new government regulations be as they trickle down to small businesses? Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to discuss this issue and others, such as auto bailout, the economy, the death of the Card Check bill, and other issues.
How and how much? Those are the two magic marketing questions small businesses are asking about marketing. Bob Bly joins Jim Blasingame with the answers in the form of perspectives, tips and best practices, especially with regard to paying for search words (pay-per-click) on a local basis. This is really good stuff for local small businesses.
Friday - April 10, 2009
Are you maximizing the online potential of your business. Carolyn Rhinebarger joins Jim Blasingame to continue the online marketing series, including knowing who your prospects are, what they want, and this is very important, where do they hand out and how do they want you to reach them.
What are the next big technological innovations small businesses have to look forward to? Bill Halal joins Jim Blasingame with a forecast of innovations that will be our reality very soon.
Being a grandparent is like finding a new kind of candy, according to Jim (Poppy) Blasingame. In this interview, Barbara Graham and Jim talk about the how cool it is to be a grandparent.
How is the economy looking and when should small businesses expect the recovery to begin? Bill Brandt talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the key issues small business owners are facing in the economy, plus a Bill's thoughts on how President Obama is responding to them.
Monday - April 13, 2009
How does leadership training promote employee engagement? Michael Stallard talks with Jim Blasingame about some examples and tips on how focusing on leadership promotes employee engagement.
The most important thing you need to sell successfully is what's in the head of your prospects and customers. Sam Richter joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to make sure your sales calls are oriented around what's important to them, rather than what's important to you.
Every penny of income earned by American's prior to April 13, 2009 goes to pay only taxes. Unfortunately, citizens of some states, like California and Connecticut, have to work longer, because of their state tax burden. Pete Sepp joins Jim Blasingame to report on this milestone and whether things are getting better or worse. Hint: the news is not good.
How do we find peace in our workplace? Jim Ballard talks with Jim Blasingame about how find peace and productivity by finding out about other before we require them to listen to our story.
Tuesday - April 14, 2009
Does participating on Twitter qualify as marketing activity? How can a business tell when social media is helping or just stealing your time? Ilise Benun talks with Jim Blasingame about the good, the bad and the ugly of social media for small business.
What behavior and policies lead to Wall Street betraying Main Street and capitalism itself? Gary Moore explains how this happened with Jim Blasingame, including events and dates.
What do you know about the business of protecting your business trade names? What about infringing on the marks of others?
David Dawsey joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how navigate this legal issue successfully, including the four general rules for trademark registration.
Are there entrepreneurial opportunities can to be found in the current economic environment?Barry Griswell and Bob Jennings say yes, and they join Jim Blasingame to discuss how to use the adversity paradox to your advantage when planning your small business future.
Wednesday - April 15, 2009
The most recent NFIB report of small business activity indicates this sector is still feeling the impact of the recession. Bill Dunkelberg reports on this with Jim Blasingame, plus they discuss the Tax Tea Parties and the general economy.
Enduring success in small business, as in any other endeavor, requires authenticity. Mike Robbins joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the importance of authenticity in business and how you accomplish it.
Does networking work for introverts? Ivan Misner explains to Jim Blasingame that not only does it work, but introverts actually stand the most to gain from networking because they're better at building valuable relationships after contact is made.
How has the recession impacted consumer spending? Pam Danziger joins Jim Blasingame to explain how the country's economic situation is affecting the way we manage and spend money today and what our lifestyles will be like after the recession.
Thursday - April 16, 2009
How can a small business grow while still maximizing a tight budget? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to talk about all of the powerful tools that are designed to help small businesses that are absolutely free. Don't miss this one.
The most pressing public policy issue today is health care reform and Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the details and the likelihood reform will happen in 2009. Of course, Jim offers his take on the real agenda behind healthcare reform. Plus they discuss other issues, such as angel investors, the mortgage industry, etc.
What do you, or your sales staff do when a prospect says, "You're too high"? Rob Jolles joins Jim Blasingame to reveal several ways to overcome the "your too high" or "I can't afford this" objection.
Friday - April 17, 2009
What's the best way to thrive during a recession? Joanne Black talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the key elements getting through to your prospects by employing an effective referral system.
Green is a movement that is not a fad and today, small businesses can make better eco-friendly choices. Malcolm Rands joins Jim Blasingame to celebrate Earth Month and talk about how to do our part to improve the environment by the products we use.
Regular and open conversation between management and staff is one of the most important success steps for any small business. Bob Kustka joins Jim Blasingame with advice and tips on how to accomplish this level of successful interaction.
Once again, small businesses demonstrate their multi-faceted value to the marketplace. Stephanie Stewart and Sean Davis join Jim Blasingame to discuss how small businesses are helping each other succeed, grow and prosper with the help of a pretty nifty free website and community.
Monday - April 20, 2009
There are many ways to cut costs and find operating efficiencies besides cutting jobs. Bill Harrison joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how the economic recovery is progressing, plus tips and best practices for cutting costs.
How does a small business incorporate a Web 2.o strategy into it's marketing and growth plans? Ken Leebow joins Jim Blasingame to talk about What Web 2.0 is and how to take advantage of the various elements without abandoning what we already are doing.
What can small businesses learn from the culture of Japan? Beverly Inman-Ebel recently returned from a trip to Japan and she tells Jim Blasingame about what she learned there, including their attitude about serving customers.
Is there evidence that America is becoming a socialistic state?Howard Ruff joins Jim Blasingame to explain why he thinks America is becoming more socialist with the recent government policies, especially under the current administration.
Tuesday - April 21, 2009
Which states rank best and worst, based on their tax burden on businesses? Ray Keating joins Jim Blasingame to discuss this year's Business Tax Index, which he compiles each year. They also discuss the negative impact of the carbon tax legislation currently being proposed.
How is the craze of social media impacting email and other newer technologies, such as texting and instant messaging? Christina Cavanagh talks with Jim Blasingame about the best ways to blend email with connecting on social media communities and other communicating tools.
How will small businesses find success in the future? World-class entrepreneur, Mark Victor Hansen, joins Jim Blasingame to share his thoughts on what being an entrepreneurship in the future will look like, plus other endeavors, such as getting your book published.
How are small and medium businesses feeling about their economic future? Derek Kober and Bill Soward join Jim Blasingame to discuss the findings of the Performance Planning Poll their organizations put together and currently, the news is not too optimistic.
Wednesday - April 22, 2009
It's administrative professionals' day, those very important members of so many organizations. This day is also for the new kids on the block, virtual assistants. Check out what Gayle has to say to Jim Blasingame about employing a virtual assistant.
Can a retail small business thrive in this recession? Bob Negen says yes, and he talks with Jim Blasingame about some important tips and best practices on how to effectively market and run a retail business in a slow economy.
What should businesses know about the holistic energy plan, including production, consumption and waste on this Earth Day? Dennis Dimick joins Jim Blasingame to debate the merits of such an approach without making the American economy uncompetitive globally.
How should small businesses feel about global warming, or climate change, or whatever it's being called these days? Jim Blasingame talks about some of the issues that will directly impact your small business if the enviro-zealots are able to push their never-mind-the-economy agenda through Congress and into law.
Thursday - April 23, 2009
How important is small business to economic recovery? Small business owner, Georgette Mosbacher joins Jim Blasingame to explain why small business is the critical driver of economic growth and what she things the government should be doing to help.
From housing, to banking, to bankruptsies for the Big Three, Joan Pryde and Jim Blasingame discuss these issues and others that are impacting our small businesses.
What are the key small business public policy issues being debated today? Giovanni Coratolo joins Jim Blasingame to discuss taxes, healthcare, the union bill, cap and trade and other legislation that will oppress small business.
Monday - April 27, 2009
Survival, and success, requires constant movement, hopefully forward? Jane Pollak joins Jim Blasingame to talk about not allowing yourself to get paralyzed by fear or by comparing your business to others. Keep moving, even if it's just baby steps, in the direction you've chosen.
Survival often requires doing something different than what you've been doing. Are you prepared to make those adjustments?Tony Paradiso and Jim Blasingame talk about some specific tips and ideas for how to make critical changes during challenging times.
Are you capable of thinking big? If you are, can you back up your thinking with results? Michael Port joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the difference between thinking big and pushing the envelope, and how to make sure your big thinking is successful.
Small business owners are realists when it comes to the economy, but still optimistic, according to a FedEx survey. Laurie Tucker joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the results of the FedEx Office's "Signs of the Times" national small business study, including the fact that, even in the face of a tough economy, most small businesses are optimistic about their future.
Tuesday - April 28, 2009
Everyone thinks honesty is the best policy, but it's not always the easiest policy. Steven Gaffney and Jim Blasingame talk about some of the problems created when honesty is under pressure, plus a few tips on how to create a culture of honesty in your business.
What's the straightest line to small business success? CJ Coolidge tells Jim Blasingame it's in discovering how the customer perceives value and delivering that. Listen as CJ and Jim simplify the path to success.
The government is making an assault on the U.S. private sector healthcare system that will change America forever if allowed to pass.
Grace-Marie Turner explains some proposed changes to Jim Blasingame that they both believe must be challenged and stopped.
Capitalism has been weakened and is under assault by policies that are nothing less than socialistic. Jim Blasingame lists the reasons capitalism is the most logical "ism", and he identifies the socialistic assaults and why they are dangerous to the future of America.
Wednesday - April 29, 2009
How has this recession impacted how we feel about money, risk and stuff? Dan Kadlec joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the results of a national Money magazine survey on behavioral changes in Americans regarding their financial activity and security.
One of the reasons someone starts a small business is to be able to pursue their marketplace dreams without losing themselves in the process. Alan Webber joins Jim Blasingame to talk about making sense of our fast-changing world, staying productive, focused and inspired.
There are thousands of Americans working in the foreign services, including ambassadors. Ambassador Donald Blinken talks with Jim Blasingame about what it's like going from the marketplace to the diplomatic world.
Is the economy heading is a good direction? Economist Bob McTeer joins Jim Blasingame to report that the economy will likely still be losing steam the rest of 2009, but that the losses will diminish so that while we don't like the numbers, we will like the trend. He also offers his thoughts on government intervention into the marketplace.
Thursday - April 30, 2009
Could the term "social media" become a stumbling block to small business adopting the very important activity of creating customer communities? Jeff Zbar and Jim Blasingame talk about the difference between the social media industry and the future of business networking online.
Are the media covering the current issues professionally or not? Julia Seymour joins Jim Blasingame to reveal where the media falls down, including giving President Obama softball questions, overplaying the swine flu issue and other isses.
What will your tax picture be in the future from the federal government? What's keeping oil prices down? Will small business get any help from the SBA? Joan Pryde and Jim Blasingame discuss thesee current issues and more as covered in this week's <i>Kiplinger Letter</i>.
